Iran nuclear deal uncertainty may deter EU investors

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Private Sector ◽  
National Interest ◽  
Policy Coordination ◽  
Large Firms ◽  
Donald Trump ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Comprehensive Plan ◽  
Doing Business ◽  
The Us

Significance US President Donald Trump declined to certify on October 13 that continued sanctions relief for Iran under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is in the US national interest. Reintroducing nuclear-related sanctions targeting third-country companies doing business with Iran -- ‘secondary sanctions’ -- could have a significant impact on European investments in Iran. Impacts With financing a requirement for business engagement, banks’ hesitation to engage with Iran will curb European investments. Transatlantic sanctions policy coordination is likely to deteriorate further, with the private sector caught in the crossfire. High-value hydrocarbons and aircraft contracts may make investing in Iran worth the risk for large firms, but other sectors may not follow.

scholarly journals EVOLUTION OF US POLICY TOWARD IRAN’S NUCLEAR PROGRAM IN XXI CENTURY: FROM PRESIDENT BUSH TO PRESIDENT TRUMP

2020 ◽  
pp. 23-33
Author(s):  
P. Sinovets ◽  
V. Gergiieva
Keyword(s):  
Negative Consequences ◽  
International Treaties ◽  
Future Prospects ◽  
Donald Trump ◽  
Nuclear Program ◽  
George Bush ◽  
Comprehensive Plan ◽  
The Us ◽  
Nuclear Issue ◽  
President Bush

Since 2002 until now, the Iranian nuclear program remains one of the hottest international problems despite the efforts of three US presidential administrations, which ruled during this time to solve the Iranian issue. This article analyses and compares the policy toward Iran of three US presidents George Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump, discusses the positive and negative consequences of their attempts to solve the Iranian nuclear issue, and outlines the future prospects of US-Iran communication over the nuclear deal. President Trump's policy on Iran was somewhat similar to that of President Bush, both presidents rejected the policy of any concessions to Iran and focused on the policy of pressure. The US withdrawal from the JCPOA influenced not only the relations between the US and Iran, but also the relations of European countries, as since its release in 2018, Europe has tried to save the JCPOA and deter Iran from resuming its nuclear program. In general, Trump's policies not only canceled the nuclear deal, which was the result of long negotiations by the Obama administration, but also complicated further negotiations with Iran. Despite the victory of Democrat Joe Biden, who is a follower of Obama's policies, signing a new agreement with Iran may be even more difficult than it was in 2013-2015, because Iran's missile program has become even more developed, as well as distrust of international treaties as well. The article analyzes the possible consequences of Trump's policies and options for returning to dialogue and agreement. The next crucial stage in Iran-US relations is the upcoming elections in Iran in 2021, the results of which will affect the readiness of any concessions to ease sanctions and establish a dialogue. Key words: Iranian nuclear program, Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT), economic sanctions.

Comparing US public university and US private sector project costs

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 220-234
Author(s):  
Kelly Strong ◽  
Scott Glick ◽  
Gazala Syhail
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Private Sector ◽  
Public University ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Cost Data ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Project Costs ◽  
The Us

Purpose This study aims to focus on the factors influencing project cost at US public universities and compares them to similar projects in the US private sector. It also presents an analysis of the potential reasons for the difference or similarities in the two sectors. Design/methodology/approach This study utilized an exploratory, comparative case study methodology performed on a small sample of public university projects and two sources of private sector cost data. Findings The results infer that most of the US public projects have comparable costs to that of their US private sector counterparts. The cost data from the university projects were further examined to explore if there were any possible relationships between the types of delivery methods used, sustainability certifications achieved and two project performance indexes – cost and duration. Research limitations/implications A more thorough analysis with a larger dataset is required to make generalizable conclusions. However, the process used in this study does provide a good overview of how facility managers could organize their own cost comparison study to evaluate their project expenditures. Practical implications This research provides a starting point for future research into the topic of US public sector project costs when compared to US private sector counterparts and the impact of delivery system and sustainability on cost of US public sector projects. Originality/value Research on this topic is scant; as such, this paper provides a starting point for future research and offers insights into the potential impacts of project delivery method and choice of following a sustainability certification option.

Why do large firms pay higher wages? Evidence from matched worker‐firm data

2005 ◽  
Vol 26 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 705-723 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thierry Lallemand ◽  
Robert Plasman ◽  
François Rycx
Keyword(s):  
Private Sector ◽  
Firm Size ◽  
Wage Premium ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Substantial Part ◽  
Large Firms ◽  
Skilled Workers ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Firm Data

PurposeThis paper analyses the magnitude and sources of the firm‐size wage premium in the Belgian private sector.Design/methodology/approachUsing a unique matched employer‐employee data set, our empirical strategy is based on the estimation of a standard Mincer wage equation. We regress individual gross hourly wages (including bonuses) on the log of firm‐size and insert step by step control variables in order to test the validity of various theoretical explanations.FindingsResults show the existence of a significant and positive firm‐size wage premium, even when controlling for many individual characteristics and working conditions. A substantial part of this wage premium derives from the sectoral affiliation of the firms. It is also partly due to the higher productivity and stability of the workforce in large firms. Yet, findings do not support the hypothesis that large firms match high skilled workers together. Finally, results indicate that the elasticity between wages and firm‐size is significantly larger for white‐collar workers and comparable in the manufacturing and the service sectors.Research limitation/implicationsUnfortunately, we are not able to control for the potential non‐random sorting process of workers across firms of different sizes.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the few to test the empirical validity of recent hypotheses (e.g. productivity, job stability and matching of high skilled workers). It is also the first to analyse the firm‐size wage premium in the Belgian private sector.

Cost-saving SpaceX launch model will survive accident

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Cost Saving ◽  
Private Sector ◽  
Technological Innovations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
John Mccain ◽  
Space Launch ◽  
The Us ◽  
Procurement Reform ◽  
Defence Procurement ◽  
Launching Site

Significance The September 1 blast at the Cape Canaveral launching site is a setback for Musk's goal of breaking open the market for government and private sector space launch contracts. SpaceX has attempted to demonstrate that it can compete with established launch companies, which are backed by US aerospace giants Lockheed Martin and Boeing. SpaceX's entrepreneurial methods have suggested significant disruption to the global launching business. Impacts Defence procurement reform would boost the US military's capacity to leverage private sector technological innovations. Efforts to reduce US dependence on Russian-manufactured rockets may lose steam if hawkish Senator John McCain is not re-elected. Washington's deployment of THAAD missile defence systems to South Korea will spur Beijing's efforts to develop anti-satellite capabilities.

Trump highlights pitfalls of election prediction

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Models ◽  
Analytical Quality ◽  
Donald Trump ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Profile ◽  
The Us ◽  
Election Prediction ◽  
Low Probability ◽  
Winner Take All ◽  
Take All

Subject Elections analysis versus prediction. Significance The nomination of Donald Trump as the Republican Party's candidate for the US presidency raises questions for how analysts ought to respond to unlikely scenarios and how 'analysis' differs in its construction from prediction. His victory raises the question whether the low probability assigned by many observers to his chance of winning was accurate, and he nevertheless won due to the inherent volatility of primary politics, or if it was the result of fundamentally flawed modelling from the outset. Impacts Past elections suggest Republicans will face hurdles in the Midwest and Northeast against Clinton, but Trump argues he has unique appeal. Gauging analytical quality on the basis of a single high-profile event may encourage misleading deference to previously correct analysts. Including uncertainty levels is a key, but often neglected, part of creating sound predictive models. Threshold events, such as a 'winner-take-all' primary or 'first-past-the-post' election, can see minor shifts lead to outsized outcomes.

Russia will deny cyberattacks despite more US evidence

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Private Sector ◽  
Computer Systems ◽  
Cyber Attacks ◽  
Internet Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Us

Significance The US indictment accuses the St Petersburg-based Internet Research Agency, its backers and staff of interfering in the election by running false social media accounts. This account of Russian trolling comes soon after US and UK accusations of Kremlin responsibility for a June 2017 cyberattack that disrupted computer systems in Ukraine and elsewhere. Impacts Private sector firms will play a growing role in attributing state-sponsored cyber attacks. Governments will become increasingly reliant on private sector capabilities, whose distance can save them diplomatic embarrassment. 'Exploits' made public could be used in hostile cyber operations.

Trump threat will drive Mexico trade diversification

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Commercial Banks ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Donald Trump ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Us ◽  
Development Banks ◽  
Loan Growth ◽  
Two Sectors ◽  
Trade And Investment

Subject Mexican development banks. Significance Mexican foreign trade financing bank Banco de Comercio Exterior de Mexico (Bancomext) has signed several cooperation agreements this year in Asia and Europe, in an effort to diversify trade and investment relationships. The push comes amid great uncertainty in the global economy and increased tensions in the US-Mexico relationship since the election of US President Donald Trump. Impacts Bancomext's efforts to increase export opportunities will especially benefit smaller Mexican firms. Foreign financial institutions will welcome opportunities to strengthen access to Latin America’s second-largest economy. Strong loan growth by development banks will not threaten commercial banks as the two sectors work together.

US backsliding will drag on global climate progress

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Global Warming ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Paris Agreement ◽  
Donald Trump ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Federal Support ◽  
The Us ◽  
The World ◽  
Climate Action

Subject The Paris Agreement and US withdrawal. Significance President Donald Trump announced his intention to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change on June 1, prompting criticism from around the world. While current pledges are unlikely to change and the agreement will not see flight or withdrawal by other countries, US withdrawal imperils the ability of the agreement’s structure to accelerate climate action to a scale necessary to meet its objective of limiting global warming to below 2 degrees centigrade by 2100. Impacts The US private sector and sub-national polities will increase their climate action, though the loss of federal support will still be felt. A future US administration could re-enter the agreement, but substantial momentum will be lost diplomatically in the intervening years. Calls for greater adaptation -- rather than mitigation -- funds from climate-vulnerable states will grow more strident.

US diplomatic service will be downsized and degraded

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Policy ◽  
Policy Process ◽  
The State ◽  
Direct Influence ◽  
Donald Trump ◽  
Content Type ◽  
White House ◽  
The Us ◽  
Cutting Out ◽  
Foreign Policy Crises

Subject The State Department. Significance The US State Department’s third-ranking official and most senior career diplomat, Tom Shannon, announced his departure on February 1. While the 60-year old Shannon said he was stepping down for personal reasons, he is only the latest in a stream of senior career diplomats who have left since Donald Trump became president a year ago and appointed Rex Tillerson as secretary of state with a mandate to downsize the department. Impacts Minimising the benefits of diplomacy in favour of military action could exacerbate foreign policy crises and conflicts. White House heel-dragging on filling posts both 'streamlines' State and avoids congressional confirmation scrutiny of political nominees. Concerned that State wields little influence with the White House, Congress will be more assertive in the foreign policy process. Other powers -- particularly US allies -- will seek and have increased direct influence on the White House, cutting out State.

Partners will struggle to save the Iran nuclear deal

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Global Economy ◽  
Dispute Settlement ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Dispute Settlement Mechanism ◽  
Nuclear Facilities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Profile ◽  
Comprehensive Plan ◽  
The Us ◽  
Trade Partner

Significance Trump described the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as "defective at its core". Iran's compliance has repeatedly been verified, but the agreement has never operated as intended. Uncertainty over Washington's future commitment reduced economic benefits to Tehran and blocked Iran's reintegration into the global economy. Impacts Except for a few high-profile deals, Europe is eclipsed as an Iranian trade partner by China, which could gain from a JCPOA breakdown. A US or Israeli strike on Iran might target utility infrastructure rather than nuclear facilities, given the environmental risks. If Iran used the dispute settlement mechanism against the US violation, it could risk automatic 'snapback' of multilateral sanctions.

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